What are the 5 Common Types of Spinal Fractures

We are sure you have heard of leg, hand, and facial fractures. But do you know the human spine is vulnerable to fractures, too? Well, this blog aims to educate you about the most common types of spinal fractures you should be aware of. Let us start with the meaning of spinal fracture.

What is a Spinal Fracture?

Spinal fracture refers to the dislocation of the backbone or vertebrae. This can happen anywhere in the spine and is generally a result of trauma or injury from accidents or high-impact activities.

What are the Common Types of Spinal Fractures?

Spine fracture specialist in Ahmedabad have identified numerous types of fractures; however, the most common of them all are:

Compression Fractures

This fracture is generally a result of compressing force that causes the bone to give it. Even though it sounds very traumatic, the fact is that there is always some amount of pressure on the vertebrae since they are stacked on each other to form the spine or vertebral column.

If the vertebrae are weak from osteoporosis, even a sneeze or moderate force can lead to a compression fracture. As a result, the vertebrae will crumble on the anterior or front side, creating a wedge shape that can result in deformities such as kyphosis.

Fracture - Dislocation

In case the fracturing force is very strong, it can entirely displace the vertebrae, resulting in backward or forward movement like spondylolisthesis, i.e., slipped vertebrae. Since the slipped vertebrae result from injury, spine specialists also refer to this condition by the name traumatic spondylolisthesis. This form of fracture belongs to the unstable category and demands medical attention/treatment ASAP.

Burst Fractures

Unlike compression fractures, burst fractures cause all four sides of the vertebrae to cave in. It can be very dangerous since small bone pieces resulting from the crumble can travel to the spinal canal, and if they damage or scratch the spinal cord, it can result in severe conditions like SCI (Spinal Cord Injury). The SCI will cause irreversible symptoms like nerve damage or paralysis.

Flexion - Distraction Fracture (FDF)

Flexion-distraction fracture is known by many names, including chance fracture, seatbelt trauma, extension pattern fracture, and more; however, the cause of the rupture remains the same in every case.

This fracture is generally a result of a four-wheeler accident. When a car stops immediately with force, the passengers feel a jerk and can be thrown forward; even though you might be wearing a seatbelt, it can result in injuries like FDF. It is because the spine flexes forward from the force, resulting in the flexion from FDF. Distraction happens when the bones swell outwards to the point at which they break, thus the flexion-distraction fracture.

Transverse Process Fractures (TPF)

The spinous process refers to the bony tips jutting out from the back of the vertebrae. Three such processes are located in the posterior vertebrae, one in the middle and the other at the right and left sides, respectively.

The bony tips are attached to the ligaments and muscles like the psoas muscle, enabling the spine's movement. When under the pressure of a powerful force, the muscles can contract, resulting in spinal misalignment. As a result, the tips can break, leading to excruciating pain.

Conclusion

Several reasons or causes of spinal fractures can further lead to severe conditions if left unattended. If you are aware of any of the symptoms of these types, it is essential to visit the doctor immediately. Even if you are not aware of the signs and feel uncomfortable with your spine, please see the best spine surgeon in Rajkot.